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IB Course Descriptions

Please note: Codes ending in “S” denote grade 11 and 12 Standard Level (SL) courses. Codes ending in “H” denote grade 11 and 12 Higher Level (HL) courses.

GROUP 1:  LANGUAGE A1 – ENGLISH

ENGLISH – HL                       ENG3U1H
In this course, students will study works from the IB curriculum. International literature will be emphasized. The writing program will stress creative writing and exposition as required by the International Baccalaureate. Students will present individual seminars on works studied.
Prerequisite: ENG2D1

ENGLISH – HL                       ENG4U1H
Students taking higher level English will also take an additional English credit (ETS4U1H) in the second semester of grade 12.
Prerequisite: ENG 3U1H

GROUP 2:  LANGUAGE B – FRENCH

CORE FRENCH – SL             FSF3U1S
This course of study seeks to prepare students for the Language B program at the Standard Level. Readings on the themes of change, groups and leisure related to life in Canada and francophone areas of the world provide expansion of vocabulary, grammatical structures, composition exercises, and enhance group discussions.  The course will stress the development of language skills and communicative proficiency.
Prerequisite: FSF2D1

EXTENDED FRENCH – SL     FEF3U1
This course of study seeks to prepare students for the Language B Program at the Standard Level. It is designed to enhance communicative proficiency in both oral and written components of language acquisition. Students will analyze works in a variety of genres on the themes of change, groups and leisure related to life in Canada and francophone areas of the world.  Students will continue to refine writing skills as they learn to write personal responses, critiques and the formal essay
Prerequisite: FEF2D1B

CORE FRENCH – SL             FSF4U1S
This course prepares students for the writing of the standard level French B exam. The course is organized around the themes of change, groups and leisure. It focuses on the study of literary, informative and journalistic texts supplemented by media and computerized resources. Skills are further developed in the following areas: sight reading, oral communication, creative writing, exposition and personal responses.
Prerequisite: FSF3U1S

EXTENDED FRENCH – SL     FEF4U1S
This course is the same as FSF 4US, with added literature studies.
Prerequisite: FEF3U1S

GROUP 3:  INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES

HISTORY - SL                        CHT3O1S
World History Since 1900: Global and Regional Perspectives - This course focuses on events and issues in twentieth-century world history. Students will analyse issues relating to the two world wars, the Cold War, post-1945 regional conflicts, human rights, changes in everyday life, and the problems facing developing countries. The skills and knowledge developed in the course will help students understand and analyse the challenges facing peoples, both historically and at the present time, in various parts of the world.
Prerequisite: CHC2D1 or CHC2D1F

HISTORY – SL                       CHY4U1S
This course examines the causes, practices and effects of war, the nationalist and independence movements, single-party states, peace and cooperation, and the state and its relationship with religion and with minorities. As well, this course continues the investigation into the Cold War.
Prerequisite: CHT3O1S

GROUP 4:  EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES

BIOLOGY – HL                      SBI3U1H
This course is designed for students wishing to complete the IB Higher Level course. The course builds on the life science units in grades 9 and 10. By covering a broad range of topics, students develop an understanding of the structure and function of many organisms, including the human body. Units include: cellular functions, genetic continuity, internal systems, diversity and plants. A fetal pig dissection is included.
Prerequisite: SNC2D1

CHEMISTRY - HL                  SCH3U1H
This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study the behaviours of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; investigate changes and relationships in chemical systems; and explore how chemistry is used in developing new products and processes that affect our lives and our environment. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of chemistry in other branches of science.
Prerequisite:  SNC2D1

PHYSICS – HL                       SPH3U1H
This course is designed for students wishing to take the IB higher level Physics course. The course is an introduction to the basic principles of classical physics. Topics to be studied include mechanics, kinematics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and optics. The emphasis is on the application of physics to everyday experiences.
Prerequisite: SNC2D1

BIOLOGY – HL                      SBI4U1H
This course prepares students for university level Biology. Topics studied include the chemistry of life, respiration and photosynthesis, nerves, muscles and movement, excretion, molecular genetics, evolution and popular dynamics. An emphasis is placed on laboratory investigations. Students taking HL Biology will also take an additional Biology credit (PSE4U1H)
Prerequisite: SBI3U1H

CHEMISTRY – HL                  SCH4U1H
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. Students will further develop problem solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment. Students taking HL Chemistry will also take an additional chemistry credit (SNC4M1H).
Prerequisite: SCH3U1H

PHYSICS – HL                       SPH4U1H
This course will prepare students to write the HL IB Physics exam. This course includes topics such as kinematics, dynamics, momentum and energy, electrostatics, electromagnetic radiation, waves and light, special relativity and early quantum theory. The emphasis throughout is on problem solving and learning to think like a physicist. Students taking HL Physics will also take an additional Physics credit (SES4U1H).
Prerequisite: SPH3U1H

GROUP 5:  MATHEMATICS

MATHEMATICS – SL             MCR3U1B
This course introduces the mathematical concept of the function by extending students’ experiences with linear and quadratic relations. Students will investigate properties of discrete and continuous functions, including trigonometric and exponential functions; represent functions numerically, algebraically, and graphically; solve problems involving applications of functions; and develop facility in simplifying polynomial and rational expressions. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems.
Prerequisite:  MPM2D1

MATHEMATICS – SL             MHF4U1S
This course extends students’ experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended both for students who plan to study mathematics in university and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programs.
Prerequisite: MCR3U1B

MATHEMATICS – SL             MCV4U1S
This course builds on students’ previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change. Students will solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors, and representations of lines and planes in three-dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, rational, exponential, and sinusoidal functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modelling of real-world relationships. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended for students who plan to study mathematics in university and who may choose to pursue careers in fields such as physics and engineering.
Prerequisite: MCR3U1B, MHF4U1S

GROUP 6:  THE ARTS AND ELECTIVES

VISUAL ARTS – HL                AVI3M1H
This is a course designed to study painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and technology. Students continually investigate the reconciliation of form and content. A close integration of art history and studio both visual and written research of basic concepts of the meaning of a work of art. Studio work is a major component of the course.
Please note:  For their Group 6 subject, students may choose to take a second science, Chemistry HL, instead of visual arts if they desire.

VISUAL ARTS – HL                AVI4M1H
This course prepares students for university level Visual Arts. Students will continue working on their studio projects. Students taking Visual Art-HL will take an additional Art credit (AEA401H)
Prerequisite:  AVI3M1H

ADDITIONAL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE    HZT4U1
Philosophy: Questions and Theories
This course addresses three (or more) of the main areas of philosophy: metaphysics, logic, epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy, and aesthetics. Students will learn critical-thinking skills, the main ideas expressed by philosophers from a variety of the world’s traditions, how to develop and explain their own philosophical ideas, and how to apply those ideas to contemporary social issues and personal experiences. The course will also help students refine skills used in researching and investigating topics in philosophy.
Note: This course is required for completion of the IB Diploma